Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy (9780470344040): Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, David L. Weaver-Zercher: Books
Kevin RK Davis
5.0 out of 5 stars Challenged as a Christian to See the Genuine Grace the Amish Aspire ToReviewed in the United States on January 20, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I had read and finally finished this past September Kraybill and co.'s book THE AMISH, a companion to the PBS Documentary. I would say that the PBS documentary was a companion and add-on to the BOOK, THE AMISH. The AMISH was very thorough. Kraybill mentioned briefly in the book the happening at Nickel Mines.
After playing around with a few other books, nothing really satisfying, I came across Amish Grace, and saw that Kraybill had written it, and so bought it expecting what happened: a great book. Kraybill obviously wrote this book before he (and company) wrote THE AMISH. In fact, Amish Grace's appendix is a VERY condensed format of The Amish book. Enough about that book though, Amish Grace is a really good read.
Reading it, some of the time I wondered if the chapter structure was too loose, as in, "Okay, I know this is in some ways, about Amish and forgiveness, but what does this have to do about Nickel Mines?" If you feel that way, know that in the end Kraybill and co. bring it around to say, "Now that you've learned this, here's how it applies to what happened at Nickel Mines." I know and have heard that there is a Lifetime movie about this incident, and I have yet to see it, and don't know if I will. If I did, it would be purely for entertainment purposes, but even then
(1) Watching a movie about people who don't watch TV doesn't seem right
(2) Watching a movie to be entertained through the horrible tragedy that took place at Nickel Mines also doesn't seem right.
Being an evangelical Christian Pastor, I learned a lot and was edified a lot by Kraybill and co.'s deep investigation into Amish Grace and what forgiveness is as the Amish see it, and as the Bible explains it. If you are curious about the whys, the suspected hypocrisies, or even the skepticism and doubt about the Amish and their forgiveness of this horrible tragedy, Kraybill, I believe, offers satisfying answers here.
If you just want to take a study into what forgiveness is, this is a great place to study. Kraybill pulls no punches too, he will list chapter and verse that the Amish go to for their understanding of forgiveness. No matter if you're a Christian or not, or if you have a soft spot, or a skeptical spot for the Amish, this book ought to re-orient your thinking when considering how to respond to tragedies. I highly recommend it, and though I bought the Kindle version, I instantly bought a physical copy so I can share it.
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Barbara Bachner
4.0 out of 5 stars Very sad but worth readingReviewed in the United States on January 22, 2018
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I'm glad I ordered and read this book. I think of it in two parts, the first part describing in detail the crime and the perpetrator's actions that day. This first part of the book is very sad and difficult to read. The second part of the book is about forgiveness, how to forgive, why the Amish were able to forgive so quickly, etc. Well worth reading since we non-Amish people probably don't know enough about the Amish ways to figure this out for ourselves.
I thought the second part of the book was a little bit redundant and might have accomplished its purpose a little more succinctly
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Felicia Demos
4.0 out of 5 stars InformativeReviewed in the United States on June 27, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Of course, we’ve all heard of the Amish. This book did an outstanding job clearing up any misunderstanding that I had. And I was really glad to see that while the Amish do practice forgiving, they also were not saying that there should not be consequences. That was a miss perception that I had.
The author did a great job explaining their ways of life. I think we can all learn something about forgiveness from them.
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Harold Wolf
TOP 500 REVIEWER
5.0 out of 5 stars Father forgive them... Forgive us our debts as we forgive...Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2009
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This is an exceptional book dealing with forgiveness, grace, grief, tragedy, justice, and revenge. Three very able authors (Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, & David L. Weaver-Zercher) bring their research and skills together to give us an account of the news-story that became even bigger than the coverage of an attack on school girls in the Amish community of Nickel Mines. "WE FORGIVE" was gently spoken by the quiet suffers, but then shouted by the media to the world. The world didn't quite understand.
This book explains the difference. This book enlightens us that know too little of the communities recognized through buggies. Those of us who live close enough to frequently see the "plain folk", Amish who are often fictionalized in best sellers, now have a book opportunity to understand a bit more truth about their faith. "Amish Grace" is an eye opener as well as a gentle explanation of the Amish spirit. I suspect even the Amish community themselves will accept this honest look at their community and their ways.
The book details the hideous act of the murders, but also goes further and educates the reader on some history and development of this one Pennsylvania community so violently attacked--an Amish 9-11. The final segment tries to pull together Amish and outsider reaction. Tries to compare differences. It helps find answers to media questions such as motives for the astonishingly quick forgiveness offered by the non-violent country people.
This is a scholarly view of the event and aftermath. It is a religious, emotional, and intellectual look at strong faith and how that can "transcend" in times of crisis. It just may help bridge at least one chasm of bigotry--that against the Amish.
I certainly gained much additional respect for those Amish willing to sacrifice for their belief. I am so glad I've read this book.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2009
This is an exceptional book dealing with forgiveness, grace, grief, tragedy, justice, and revenge. Three very able authors (Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, & David L. Weaver-Zercher) bring their research and skills together to give us an account of the news-story that became even bigger than the coverage of an attack on school girls in the Amish community of Nickel Mines. "WE FORGIVE" was gently spoken by the quiet suffers, but then shouted by the media to the world. The world didn't quite understand.
This book explains the difference. This book enlightens us that know too little of the communities recognized through buggies. Those of us who live close enough to frequently see the "plain folk", Amish who are often fictionalized in best sellers, now have a book opportunity to understand a bit more truth about their faith. "Amish Grace" is an eye opener as well as a gentle explanation of the Amish spirit. I suspect even the Amish community themselves will accept this honest look at their community and their ways.
The book details the hideous act of the murders, but also goes further and educates the reader on some history and development of this one Pennsylvania community so violently attacked--an Amish 9-11. The final segment tries to pull together Amish and outsider reaction. Tries to compare differences. It helps find answers to media questions such as motives for the astonishingly quick forgiveness offered by the non-violent country people.
This is a scholarly view of the event and aftermath. It is a religious, emotional, and intellectual look at strong faith and how that can "transcend" in times of crisis. It just may help bridge at least one chasm of bigotry--that against the Amish.
I certainly gained much additional respect for those Amish willing to sacrifice for their belief. I am so glad I've read this book.
This book explains the difference. This book enlightens us that know too little of the communities recognized through buggies. Those of us who live close enough to frequently see the "plain folk", Amish who are often fictionalized in best sellers, now have a book opportunity to understand a bit more truth about their faith. "Amish Grace" is an eye opener as well as a gentle explanation of the Amish spirit. I suspect even the Amish community themselves will accept this honest look at their community and their ways.
The book details the hideous act of the murders, but also goes further and educates the reader on some history and development of this one Pennsylvania community so violently attacked--an Amish 9-11. The final segment tries to pull together Amish and outsider reaction. Tries to compare differences. It helps find answers to media questions such as motives for the astonishingly quick forgiveness offered by the non-violent country people.
This is a scholarly view of the event and aftermath. It is a religious, emotional, and intellectual look at strong faith and how that can "transcend" in times of crisis. It just may help bridge at least one chasm of bigotry--that against the Amish.
I certainly gained much additional respect for those Amish willing to sacrifice for their belief. I am so glad I've read this book.
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2007
The practical value of this book for me, a religion professor at a liberal-arts college in Maryland, is that it is the right length and has the right concentrated focus to use in my undergraduate course in American religious history. Through the prism of this one terrible event, the authors are able to examine much of value concerning Amish history, culture, and ethics. In that regard, this roughly 200-page book might be more useful than a history of the Amish which is twice the length of Amish Grace.
As a matter of fact, I learned much from this book, so it will prove valuable in my own reflections and my own life, not simply in my career as a professor.
The authors are excellent writers and careful teachers. They take on weighty subjects but know just how to sort out the important issues and explain the challenging ethical and theological points--without ever coming across as if they have all the answers.
By the way, I was particularly intrigued by the ways in which the Amish differ from many of today's evangelical Christians.
This is a good book in every sense of that adjective. Great to see that it's enjoying a wide readership.
As a matter of fact, I learned much from this book, so it will prove valuable in my own reflections and my own life, not simply in my career as a professor.
The authors are excellent writers and careful teachers. They take on weighty subjects but know just how to sort out the important issues and explain the challenging ethical and theological points--without ever coming across as if they have all the answers.
By the way, I was particularly intrigued by the ways in which the Amish differ from many of today's evangelical Christians.
This is a good book in every sense of that adjective. Great to see that it's enjoying a wide readership.
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2013
In an age in which success is defined by accumulating as much as possible, peace is sought by getting sweet revenge on those who hurt us, and children are constantly told how special & unique they are, it's refreshing to learn more about a culture in which simplicity, quietness, forgiveness, and humility play a central role. It's ironic that those who eagerly devour the radical philosophy discussed in this book are the very ones who already understand it. It's true that the book does repeat some points, but maybe it doesn't hurt us to hear more than once that unequivocal forgiveness, although difficult, is the best policy when we are wronged, that thinking of God first, others second & self last isn't a bad way to go through life. The book presents a clear overview of Amish life and beliefs, and corrects a number of common misperceptions.
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2010
I purchased both the Video and the book, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy." The Video was excellently done.I started reading this book and the book goes in much deeper than the video. The book gives more understanding into the culture and religious beliefs of the Amish. Although not all will agree with their religious beliefs however, the Biblical view of forgiveness they practice is needed in our culture today. The focus of the Amish in repaying evil with good and being kind to your enemies is almost extinct in this culture. The Amish had shown us that forgiveness is still the right thing to do. The world's reaction to the Amish forgiveness and grace shook thousands and millions of lives. They also proved that only good can come forth out of a tragedy when God's grace and forgiveness are practiced, thus, making a difference in lives of those watching. Let us also make a difference in other people's lives
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2013
This book is a thought-provoking quasi-academic look into the concept of forgiveness using the Amish religion and an Amish school shooting as a backdrop. The book is broken into sections. The initial section that details the school shooting tragedy and what how the Amish responded is a fairly engaging (entertaining seems inappropriate) the remainder of the book is a little stuffy and sometimes repetitive but through provoking and worth reading none-the-less. I would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to let go of long standing hard feelings or grudges or someone who wants to explore their personal spirituality. The author does a good job of using religion factually in the book without making the reader feel like they are reading a "religious" work.
Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2011
My wife and I caught the last half of the somewhat sappy TV movie about the same incident. I noticed from the reviews of that movie that Kraybill and others had written a related book. I enjoyed the book, on many levels, the story, the explanations of Amish culture (especially those directly from Amish folks), the theology, etc.
It did seem redundant at times, which may be a result of collaboration between 3 authors at various locations. Perhaps the editing could be better.
I found the story and the book to be inspirational, and I came away from the reading with some good ideas on how I could grow and change, be more faithful, and maybe help others. Note to self -- do that stuff and walk the talk.
It did seem redundant at times, which may be a result of collaboration between 3 authors at various locations. Perhaps the editing could be better.
I found the story and the book to be inspirational, and I came away from the reading with some good ideas on how I could grow and change, be more faithful, and maybe help others. Note to self -- do that stuff and walk the talk.
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013
Christ has been the center of my life from my earliest childhood memories. This story continues to reinforce a deep and abiding faith that God continues in every circumstance to bless us with saving grace no matter how grave or how dark. The Amish community bravely, sincerely and faithfully responded with the only true response that Christ continually calls each human being to become, to imitate Him in each and every moment of our lives as be we can. We are all called to be people of love and forgiveness no matter what our religious beliefs or the lack thereof. Thanks. JA
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2016
Although this is not a quick, easy read, the authors have done a tremendous job of researching Amish culture, which includes forgiveness and often the difficult concept of GRACE (unwarranted and continual forgiveness). There is much to be learned by this book, but it also puts in perspective the humanness of the Amish and the way tight knit community helps foster different beliefs and actions. I highly recommend this!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2010
Kraybill and associates have taken a close look at the events in Lancaster County and the killing of several school children and the wounding of others. The closest look, however, is at the Amish themselves, the friends, the families, the neighbors of the girls who were killed; yet more importantly at the family of the young man who did the shooting, a trusted fellow, "English" (i.s. non-Amish) known to everyone, who immediately afterward shot himself. How they were able to forgive (not the same as pardon) the dead perpetrator, yet more so his family, how they from inate impulse moved to circle that family with love, invite them to their events, include them in the funerals. And the family of the perpetrator included them in his funeral.
I recently visited old friends in Bird-in-Hand itself, German emigrants and their children, who now live side-by-side with Amish. And I visited the rather new Young Center fo the Study of the Amish and the Anabaptists, where Don Kraybill is a professor. It is an institute that welcomes graduate students who are working on the topic. This year they are expecting an Israeli student who wants to make a comparison of Jewish Orthodox and Amish ways.
The book also gives some insight into the problematic custom of "shunning" wayward members of the community, yet also their commitment to peace but also non-participation in worldly politics.
The book is regarded by the local community as excellent.
I recently visited old friends in Bird-in-Hand itself, German emigrants and their children, who now live side-by-side with Amish. And I visited the rather new Young Center fo the Study of the Amish and the Anabaptists, where Don Kraybill is a professor. It is an institute that welcomes graduate students who are working on the topic. This year they are expecting an Israeli student who wants to make a comparison of Jewish Orthodox and Amish ways.
The book also gives some insight into the problematic custom of "shunning" wayward members of the community, yet also their commitment to peace but also non-participation in worldly politics.
The book is regarded by the local community as excellent.
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2016
I have been reading a number of Amish books the past few years and really learning to respect their culture and faith. This book really tops them all as they walked through this very difficult experience and have been able to forgive and share their faith and life with others. Thank you to the families and the writers of this book.
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2008
This was a well written, informative, sensitive book. It didn't give the feel of some of "sensationalizing" a tragedy. Instead, it gently gave light to our fellow neighbors and countrymen, The Amish. It opened a door and gave us a glimpse of our commonality as Christians,our humanness as fallen man, our common struggle with forgiveness and trying to understand tragedy when it happens, and a glimpse at how the Amish distinctly handles tragedy.
It gave much to ponder and think about, and I am very glad that I have read it. I would recommend it highly, especially to those struggling with forgiveness and justice.
It gave much to ponder and think about, and I am very glad that I have read it. I would recommend it highly, especially to those struggling with forgiveness and justice.
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2014
Amish Grace has really opened my eyes to what real forgiveness is and how holding on to resentment and hateful feelings can only hold a person back from true happiness in this world. I have prayed the Our Father many times but after reading this book I now really pay attention to what I am praying and asking God. God bless the Amish people they are true Christians in every sense of the word and I thank them for opening my eyes and heart to real forgiveness.
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2018
Amish Grace provides a theological exploration of forgiveness, Justice, grace, and providence from a Amish theological perspective. It’s a wonderful and accessible introduction to how the Amish live and wrestle with their faith. Highly recommend —unless you are simply looking for a book focused on the tragedy itself.
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2017
Extremely slow. The author keeps repeating himself.Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2013
We all need help forgiving those around us - especially those closest to us. The story of how the Amish have integrated forgiveness into their daily lives is remarkable. To see how that daily practice took hold of their community after the Nickle Mines tragedy is humbling and inspiring. I was also deeply touched by the unexpected interview at the end of the book. I hope this book has changed me. It will be my loss if it hasn't.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2008
There are few traditional virtues more questioned today than forgiveness. Cynics dismiss it as a sign either of weakness or manipulation. Legalists see it as irrelevant. Civil contractarians view it as something that must be earned. And many Christians pay lip service to it but regard it as a highly impractical response to aggressors. In short, forgiveness isn't on too many radars.
That's why the world was so captivated by the Amish response to the Nickle Mines shootings in October 2006. When the Amish community not only forgave the shooter but also went out of its way to embrace the shooter's family, the novelty of the response both startled and puzzled conventional society. To clear up some of that puzzlement--and, presumably, to help reinvigorate our culture's regard for forgiveness-- Kraybill, Nolt, and Weaver-Zercher wrote Amish Grace.
The first part of the book is a straightforward account of the Nickle Mines shooting that a reader can just as easily get from newspaper and internet archives. The third, in all honesty, comes across as more filler than anything else, throwing together as it does essays on Amish shunning, a rather repetitious chapter on forgiving, and a rather vague chapter on grace. The heart of the book is the middle section, which explores forgiving in the Amish context and briefly compares it to other accounts of forgiving.
To anyone familiar with Amish culture and the Anabaptist tradition, it comes as no surprise that community, humility, exemplification of Christ's love, the centrality of the Sermon on the Mount, and forgiving in order to be forgiven are the foundations on which Amish forgiving is based.
That's why the world was so captivated by the Amish response to the Nickle Mines shootings in October 2006. When the Amish community not only forgave the shooter but also went out of its way to embrace the shooter's family, the novelty of the response both startled and puzzled conventional society. To clear up some of that puzzlement--and, presumably, to help reinvigorate our culture's regard for forgiveness-- Kraybill, Nolt, and Weaver-Zercher wrote Amish Grace.
The first part of the book is a straightforward account of the Nickle Mines shooting that a reader can just as easily get from newspaper and internet archives. The third, in all honesty, comes across as more filler than anything else, throwing together as it does essays on Amish shunning, a rather repetitious chapter on forgiving, and a rather vague chapter on grace. The heart of the book is the middle section, which explores forgiving in the Amish context and briefly compares it to other accounts of forgiving.
To anyone familiar with Amish culture and the Anabaptist tradition, it comes as no surprise that community, humility, exemplification of Christ's love, the centrality of the Sermon on the Mount, and forgiving in order to be forgiven are the foundations on which Amish forgiving is based.
The authors of Amish Grace do a good job in sketching them out. They do a less impressive job, however, of discussing the general nature of forgiveness or some of the very real questions raised by philosophers and theologians about its nature. Is forgiveness an internal act or overt behavior? Must an aggressor express remorse as a condition for forgiveness? Can we forgive on behalf of others? Are we sometimes obliged to withhold forgiveness for the good of the aggressor? These broader sorts of questions are at best touched on without being explored.
Ultimately, then, Amish Grace is a primer for those who know nothing about the Amish. It's also a good resource for readers who are curious about but have never thought much about forgiveness. For deeper reflections on the nature and value of forgiveness, readers must turn elsewhere. Recommendations would include
Ultimately, then, Amish Grace is a primer for those who know nothing about the Amish. It's also a good resource for readers who are curious about but have never thought much about forgiveness. For deeper reflections on the nature and value of forgiveness, readers must turn elsewhere. Recommendations would include
- Trudy Govier's Forgiveness and Revenge,
- Robert Enright and Joanna North's Exploring Forgiveness, and
- Jeffrie Murphy's Getting Even.
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2008
The mix of Amish background and history with the present gave me a much better understanding of the Amish,why they believe, and who they are.
I wish I could have a commitment and devotion as strong as theirs. This book not only shows their strengths, but also their weaknesses, and how they cope with both. Anyone whether religious,or a non-believer should read this book so they can strengthen their own personal beliefs.
Highly recommend for everyone interested in improving their own life.
EJ
I wish I could have a commitment and devotion as strong as theirs. This book not only shows their strengths, but also their weaknesses, and how they cope with both. Anyone whether religious,or a non-believer should read this book so they can strengthen their own personal beliefs.
Highly recommend for everyone interested in improving their own life.
EJ
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013
Great reading. The author has a good style of writing and covers details that surprise me. Reads like Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood." This is a serious book about real people and real events. I am familiar with the area too well. The author takes you by the hand and helps you to understand how and the why's of the Amish mindset. It will be a long time before I can put this event out of my mind.
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2009
This book is about a very sad event in the life of this quiet and loving people. I am not Amish however I've done a lot of research on them. I am always amazed by their simple yet profound faith. Their ability to trust their Maker and to leave everything at the foot of the Cross, causes me to reflect on my own faith. To be able to not only forgive the one who took the lives of so many precious, innoncent children, but also to reach out to the family....with compassion and comfort.....is overwhelming. We can learn a lot from the Amish about forgiveness and reconciliation.
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2007
This book achieves what most books don't. It combines a rich well of scholarly research on the part of three academicians without sacrificing the soul of what occurred at Nickel Mines during and after the event. In addition to being well researched the book has a poetically lyrical and haunting quality that honors, reflects, and conveys the hearts, souls, and minds of the Amish community. One of the most difficult things a writer can achieve is to step out of the way and allow the pictures and voices tell the story without the writer's ego coming into play. This is what was achieved in this book. I haven't been grasped by anything this powerful in a long time. It challenges me to try to live with intentionality each day and continue to struggle with what forgiveness looks like in the ordinary moments and encounters of my life.
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2010
I truly was moved by this book. It was tragic what happened but it teaches you that even in the face of death, people can be taught to forgive, just as Jesus would want his children to do. In today's society we are taught to kill, seek revenge and then kill back. What does that solve? The amish people are most forgiving and they can teach us a lot about that. A very compelling book that I found hard to put down!
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2018
thanks
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2016
Having been in several situations recently that required forgiveness, I learned from this story of the Anish forgiving a terrible grievance. I have always admired the Amish and this strengthened my admiration.
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2016
We used this book in our Bible Study as we discussed forgiveness. This is a wonderful book, and my respect for the Amish ability to forgive under these awful circumstances is a testimony to the human spirit and our connection to God's grace.
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2016
This was one of the most comprehensive and real books on forgiveness. A true eye-opener and an encouragement to those trying to forgive the unforgivable.
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2009
The book, Amish Grace, is aptly subtitled, "How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy". The subject of this book is the shooting of Amish schoolgirls in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania and the response of the Amish community to this tragedy. It explores the meaning of forgiveness, and how the Amish concept of forgiveness may differ from the mainstream culture's understanding. It is well written and well researched. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic of forgiveness, and also to those who have suffered a tragedy and are questioning.
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2013
This book is a life changer. I may not end up as pacifist as Amish are, but it makes me re-think a lot of my "common sense". I have learn a LOT about forgiveness and human relations that did not cross mind mind before. Nickle Mines Amish are the most amazing people. A VERY excellant read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2012
The best book I have ever read about forgiveness! This book has more depth about what forgiveness is and what it isn't than all the other books I have read combined.
Very insightful information about the history and background of the Amish community in understanding how forgiveness is rooted in inspirational stories of their own martyrs, and in the life and words of Jesus Christ.
Thanks to the authors for examining every aspect of forgiveness including criticism of those who do forgive, and what the basis for that criticism is.
Very insightful information about the history and background of the Amish community in understanding how forgiveness is rooted in inspirational stories of their own martyrs, and in the life and words of Jesus Christ.
Thanks to the authors for examining every aspect of forgiveness including criticism of those who do forgive, and what the basis for that criticism is.
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2009
Simply wonderful. How can these people be so compassionate, so loving, so forgiving in the face of devastation? The Amish can teach us so many beautiful qualities if we would simply listen and truly think through the messages they live out each day. Very inspirational--I'm so glad I purchased this book. Actually, I've purchased several as gifts for others.
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2012
I was curious about this situation and discovered a well-researced and well-written report of the event. Also, I learned the history of the Amish faith that allowed for the total forgiveness of the shooter and his family. The writers were balanced in sharing the information. I will re-read this book.
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2016
This book is a must read. It's sad, true story is filled with tragedy, but most of all pure forgiveness.
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2008
The issue of forgiveness is one of the most difficult and one of the most important issues in Christian life.
I was so impressed with the book that I read the book within 2 days. It continues to linger on my mind. It is a must read! It really deserves 4 1/2 stars. My only criticism is that it appears to be written in a hurry and that the different authors sometimes overlap and repeat the same issue.
The positives far outweigh the small negative.
I was so impressed with the book that I read the book within 2 days. It continues to linger on my mind. It is a must read! It really deserves 4 1/2 stars. My only criticism is that it appears to be written in a hurry and that the different authors sometimes overlap and repeat the same issue.
The positives far outweigh the small negative.
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2016
Quite a reflective story of the Amish response to their people being killed. Well worth reading and reflecting upon
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2015
What a wonderful book. Very easy to read and a lot of profound stuff in there about forgiveness and lets face it it is a lesson we all need everyday.
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2014
Fact based movie from tragedy in Lancaster PA. I must of watched it 50 times already. One of the best movies I have ever seen. Great acting, movie is a definite yes to buy.
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2017
Very informative. I visit Amish country often and have the
greatest admiration for the people. I hope they never change.
greatest admiration for the people. I hope they never change.
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2015
Disappointed in so much focus on violence. The movie was much better because it focused on character development.
